Criminal Probe Launched In Campbell Pet Store Blaze: SCC Fire

CAMPBELL, CA — A criminal probe was launched between fire agencies and Campbell Police regarding a suspicious fire that broke out Wednesday morning at a pet store that was quickly extinguished before animals were hurt or worse.

"Fire investigators have determined the fire started on the exterior of the building and are conducting a joint, criminal investigation with Campbell Police," the Santa Clara County Fire Department reported.

San Jose and county firefighters jumped all over a blaze at Pets and More on the 800 block of Hamilton Avenue, saving a room full of animals. No animal lives were claimed in the fire, and none was reported to have been dispatched to the animal hospital for smoke inhalation.

According to the fire agency, the 7:02 a.m. call dispatched firefighters to the commercial building in a strip mall in the 800 block of Hamilton Avenue where the structure was filling with smoke coming from the pet store.

Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to one corner of the building and a small portion of the roof above the store within 17 minutes.

The pet store was full of animals, and there were no human injuries reported. The store evacuated some animals, and all were reported to be safe and sound as of 11 a.m.